Here’s a repost from a few years ago:
Ten Most “Luxurious” Things About Halloween
I’ve thought for a long time that the “holiday season” and “festive season” are what help us North Americans (and others in the Northern Hemisphere) fight back against Seasonal Affective Disorder – the holiday lights keep us from getting depressed after the summer sunshine is gone. The holidays start with Halloween, and that’s one of the things I like about it (although there are at least ten more):
Jack o’ Lantern as an art form
Here’s an art genre for you: carve a hollow vegetable into a work of art that involves light from the inside and typically has a theme of horror, and will start to rot within a week or so. I like to use power tools, like a jigsaw and an electric drill, to add an element of drama (and loud noise).
Children in costumes enjoying Halloween
Halloween is most definitely a holiday for children, but they will come right to your door to show you their costumes (whether you want them to or not).
Costumes as an art form
Those of us who have children, or are invited to masquerade parties, get another opportunity to express our creativity. My idea for an adult costume, a bicycle racer with syringes and blood bags hanging off of his arms, has not gone over too well.
Candy
Yes, candy. I’m one of those who takes pride in handing out full-size candy bars. Hershey and Mars are two great American companies and their products come fresh from the factories in the USA.
Halloween videos for the festive season
Can’t, absolutely can’t write this post without mentioning “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Just can’t. On the big screen, there are movies like “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” which uniquely bridges Halloween and Christmas Day by blending the spooky elements of Halloween with the festive spirit of Christmas, highlighting the transition from one holiday to the next. Plus there are decades worth of hard-core horror movies, if that’s something that appeals to you.
Seasonal beers
For those of you who are fans of craft beers, you can be almost 100% sure that your local brewery will have a seasonal pumpkin ale or something similar to get you in the holiday spirit. These seasonal beers are often enjoyed during holiday shopping sprees.
No gifts
Even department stores haven’t yet started pre-pre-pre-holiday sales, or mounted holiday decorations before you’ve gotten the artificial cobwebs out of your trees. Your only obligation, should you choose to accept it, is to dole out piles of candy to those sweet little goblins, Avengers, and Spidermen that appear at your door. Halloween offers a welcome break from the usual holiday gift-giving obligations, allowing you to enjoy the festive season without the pressure of buying presents.
It’s an ecumenical holiday
Like Thanksgiving Day, Halloween is a holiday that can be celebrated by everyone. Though some consider it Satanic, I fail to understand how streets or parties full of children and adults dressed, often badly, as their favorite superhero or Presidential candidate could possibly reflect the worship of evil to any serious person. Halloween is all in fun. Try to take it that way.
There’s no snow on the ground
At least, not usually. Halloween is celebrated while the air is crisp but, typically, still mild enough not to require a parka or boots. Leaves are still on the trees, you can just begin to smell wood burning in neighborhood fireplaces. It offers no lyrical waxing about sleigh bells, silver bells, or jingle bells — just hayrides through scarecrow-guarded fields and an occasional bob for apples. The mild weather of Halloween contrasts with the colder winter holiday season, which is marked by various cultural celebrations and increased commercialization.
Haunted houses, prisons or mental hospitals
Halloween provides innumerable opportunities to have the bejeezus frightened out of you. If you like to be terrified, now’s your chance, and you can often do it in the most unpleasant surroundings imaginable. Creaky old mansions, converted penal institutions, places with straightjackets and handcuffs and maniacs — oh, my! — have been repurposed into sites where ordinary people dress up as zombies, monsters, vampires, and mummies to frighten other ordinary people for a small fee.
Luxury Halloween Decorations
In recent years, luxury Halloween decorations have taken the holiday to a whole new level of sophistication. Homeowners are now transforming their spaces into eerie yet elegant wonderlands, complete with elaborate lighting displays, intricate animatronics, and custom-designed props. Whether you’re aiming for a classic horror theme or a modern-day fright fest, these high-end decorations offer endless possibilities. The best part? Many of these luxurious items are designed to be reusable, making them a worthwhile investment for those who revel in the holiday spirit year after year and saving them from a one-way trip to a landfill. You can find these opulent decorations at high-end retailers and online marketplaces, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Gourmet Halloween Treats
Why settle for ordinary candy when you can indulge in gourmet Halloween treats? Elevate your holiday celebrations with artisanal candies, gourmet popcorn, and cookies made from high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations like pumpkin spice and chocolate. These treats aren’t just delicious; they’re also visually stunning, making them the perfect addition to any holiday party or gathering. Specialty food stores and online retailers offer a wide range of gourmet Halloween treats, with prices varying from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. It’s a delightful way to add a touch of sophistication to your Halloween festivities.
Exclusive Halloween Events
For those looking to celebrate Halloween in style, exclusive events are the way to go. These high-end gatherings are often held at luxury venues and feature live music, gourmet food and drink, and other upscale amenities. From costume parties to haunted houses and other spooky attractions, these events offer a sophisticated and thrilling experience. Many of these exclusive Halloween events are designed for adults only, providing a perfect opportunity for a night of elegant scares. You can find tickets for these events through luxury event planners and online ticketing websites, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
